Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis—Part I: General Performance Indicators
<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been explored for its potential to improve general performance in combat sports. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of PAPE protocols on physical performance, focusing on diffe...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/88 |
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| author | Artur Terbalyan Karol Skotniczny Michał Krzysztofik Jakub Chycki Vadim Kasparov Robert Roczniok |
| author_facet | Artur Terbalyan Karol Skotniczny Michał Krzysztofik Jakub Chycki Vadim Kasparov Robert Roczniok |
| author_sort | Artur Terbalyan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <b>Background/Objectives:</b> Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been explored for its potential to improve general performance in combat sports. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of PAPE protocols on physical performance, focusing on differences across disciplines, competitive levels, and testing methods. <b>Methods:</b> A PRISMA-guided search (2010–2023) identified 19 studies examining PAPE protocols in combat sports athletes. The inclusion criteria required human trials using defined PAPE protocols, with outcomes of general performance indicators such as countermovement jumps (CMJs). A meta-analysis was conducted on data from 866 athletes using random effects modeling. <b>Results:</b> The PAPE protocols yielded a pooled effect size of 0.136 (95% CI, 0.008–0.263) across 866 athletes. Taekwondo athletes exhibited the most pronounced improvements in CMJ performance, particularly when using protocols that combined repeated vertical jumps with heavy-resistance cluster sets, and with dynamic, sport-specific movements such as the bandal chagui protocol achieving an effect size of 1.19 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Conversely, Muay Thai athletes experienced performance declines when the protocols incorporated highly specific techniques, such as roundhouse kicks (ES = −1.36, <i>p</i> = 0.009). Analysis by competitive level revealed pooled effect sizes of 0.14 (95% CI, −0.01 to 0.29) for amateur athletes and 0.13 (95% CI, −0.11 to 0.38) for elite athletes, with no statistically significant differences observed between these groups. <b>Conclusions:</b> PAPE’s effectiveness depends on tailoring protocols to the competitive level and discipline. Short rest intervals support plyometric protocols for amateurs, while heavy-resistance exercises enhance elite performers. Further research is needed to standardize PAPE protocols and explore discipline-specific adaptations. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0a566b15762d431a8bcb28ccff7e8ffc |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2411-5142 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
| spelling | doaj-art-0a566b15762d431a8bcb28ccff7e8ffc2025-08-20T01:48:52ZengMDPI AGJournal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology2411-51422025-03-011018810.3390/jfmk10010088Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis—Part I: General Performance IndicatorsArtur Terbalyan0Karol Skotniczny1Michał Krzysztofik2Jakub Chycki3Vadim Kasparov4Robert Roczniok5Institute of Sport Sciences, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, PolandInstitute of Sport Sciences, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, PolandInstitute of Sport Sciences, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, PolandInstitute of Sport Sciences, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, PolandInstitute of Sport Sciences, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, PolandInstitute of Sport Sciences, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been explored for its potential to improve general performance in combat sports. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of PAPE protocols on physical performance, focusing on differences across disciplines, competitive levels, and testing methods. <b>Methods:</b> A PRISMA-guided search (2010–2023) identified 19 studies examining PAPE protocols in combat sports athletes. The inclusion criteria required human trials using defined PAPE protocols, with outcomes of general performance indicators such as countermovement jumps (CMJs). A meta-analysis was conducted on data from 866 athletes using random effects modeling. <b>Results:</b> The PAPE protocols yielded a pooled effect size of 0.136 (95% CI, 0.008–0.263) across 866 athletes. Taekwondo athletes exhibited the most pronounced improvements in CMJ performance, particularly when using protocols that combined repeated vertical jumps with heavy-resistance cluster sets, and with dynamic, sport-specific movements such as the bandal chagui protocol achieving an effect size of 1.19 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Conversely, Muay Thai athletes experienced performance declines when the protocols incorporated highly specific techniques, such as roundhouse kicks (ES = −1.36, <i>p</i> = 0.009). Analysis by competitive level revealed pooled effect sizes of 0.14 (95% CI, −0.01 to 0.29) for amateur athletes and 0.13 (95% CI, −0.11 to 0.38) for elite athletes, with no statistically significant differences observed between these groups. <b>Conclusions:</b> PAPE’s effectiveness depends on tailoring protocols to the competitive level and discipline. Short rest intervals support plyometric protocols for amateurs, while heavy-resistance exercises enhance elite performers. Further research is needed to standardize PAPE protocols and explore discipline-specific adaptations.https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/88countermovement jumpperformance testingstrength trainingplyometricsmartial arts |
| spellingShingle | Artur Terbalyan Karol Skotniczny Michał Krzysztofik Jakub Chycki Vadim Kasparov Robert Roczniok Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis—Part I: General Performance Indicators Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology countermovement jump performance testing strength training plyometrics martial arts |
| title | Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis—Part I: General Performance Indicators |
| title_full | Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis—Part I: General Performance Indicators |
| title_fullStr | Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis—Part I: General Performance Indicators |
| title_full_unstemmed | Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis—Part I: General Performance Indicators |
| title_short | Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis—Part I: General Performance Indicators |
| title_sort | effect of post activation performance enhancement in combat sports a systematic review and meta analysis part i general performance indicators |
| topic | countermovement jump performance testing strength training plyometrics martial arts |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/88 |
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